UserScript that blocks Web Environment Integrity (WEI) websites

Posted by ground_cat on Wednesday August 02, 2023 @04:09AM
from the self-post dept.

Hello HN!

I created a simple UserScript that blocks websites that use Web Environment Integrity (WEI).

For those who aren't aware, for information about why WEI is considered harmful, check out this article from FSF: https://www.fsf.org/blogs/community/web-environment-integrity-is-an-all-out-attack-on-the-free-internet

Installation is straightforward if you have a UserScript manager (like Tampermonkey, Violentmonkey) installed in your browser. Just add this script to your UserScript manager and it will automatically run whenever you visit a webpage.

Here's the link to the GitHub repo: https://github.com/groundcat/Web-Environment-Integrity-Blocker

Here's the link to install: https://greasyfork.org/en/scripts/472234-web-environment-integrity-blocker

Looking forward to hearing your thoughts and feedback.

( 4 comments | 2 points | on HN )

Re:UserScript that blocks Web Environment Integrity (WEI) we... by bhaney on Wednesday August 02, 2023 @04:29AM (#36968429)

What exactly is the point of this? Presumably, if I'm against WEI, I'm not using a browser that implements it, so sites that require it would essentially block themselves for me. Is this script meant to be used on Chromium-based browsers that haven't removed WEI support so I can still browse the web with them without fear of a site using WEI?

[ Parent | on HN ]

Re:UserScript that blocks Web Environment Integrity (WEI) we... by ground_cat on Wednesday August 02, 2023 @04:38AM (#36968488)

Yes. It is intended for users who are using Chromium-based browsers or others that still will support WEI. While you're right that if you're against WEI, you are more likely to opt for a browser that doesn't support it, not everyone may have that option or preference. As far as I know, no site has implemented this crap yet. So, while we believe the script would be effective based on WEI explainer docs, its real-world effectiveness is currently uncertain until we see actual implementations of WEI in use.

[ Parent | on HN ]

Re:UserScript that blocks Web Environment Integrity (WEI) we... by ametrau on Sunday August 06, 2023 @09:34PM (#37028944)

Awareness. 90% of google's power is their user's ignorance.

[ Parent | on HN ]

Re:UserScript that blocks Web Environment Integrity (WEI) we... by raxxorraxor on Thursday August 03, 2023 @03:02AM (#36982335)

Much appreciated. Certainly a contraindication for quality if a site uses such mechanisms to track users and suppress ad blockers.

[ Parent | on HN ]